.gif){kind=small}
Cover Page
MENU
The Developing Years
|
National Park Service Uniforms The Developing Years 1932-1970 |
Number 5 |
|
| |
The "handbook" brought with it a number of changes and a few new articles of clothing. The hat remained the same, except that now the "dents" were being blocked in at the factory. This made for a more uniform appearance. In addition, a new straw hat was added to be worn with the summer uniform in extreme heat or very hot and humid climates. The life expectancy of the straw hat was one or at the most two years. A transparent plastic hat-covering (similar to Eldon Rain Hat Protector No. 3000) for protecting both styles of hat was included.
 Roger Allen, superintendent, Everglades National Park, 1967. Allen is wearing the standard ranger straw hat with the pine cone version of the hatband. NPSHPC-HFC#91-5 |
 Ranger James E. Putman and a friendly opposum, c.1968. Putman is wearing the rain cover for his hat. He is also wearing the 1960 nametag and 1968 badge. NPSHPC-HFC#96-1347 |
Although neither the regulations or previous amendments address it, the dress cap was not included in the 1961 regulations. Apparently the straw hat superceded it.
The fur hat for extreme cold areas was changed from brand name "North King" to "Alaska Cap". (Eddie Bauer, Seattle, Washington, or its equal) The new cap was specified to be "Forestry green with beaver mouton fur [31] trim, down insulated. Mouton fur trim to turn down to protect neck and ears. Concealed drawstring to provide exact adjustment of head size."
The coat, while appearing to be the same, had several changes as well. A badge holder (two silk corded loops 3/8" wide, sewed to left breast pocket pleat, 1-1/4" apart, lower loop 2" from bottom of pocket) were sewn to the left breast pocket pleat. The pockets now had three pointed flaps (earlier flaps were rounded on outside corners) and the top pocket flaps were stitched down all around so pockets could not be used. All buttons were to be removable, fastened with bodkin, [32] ring or similar device.
Trousers remained the same with the exception of the back pocket flaps having concealed buttons. (no stitching was to show on flap)
A new "embossed" belt was specified for uniformed personnel. Unofficially, it was felt the billeted belts accented "ranger pots" and the new style cut a "trimmer" figure. The new belt remained 1-1/2 inches wide, but now the buckle was the full width of the belt and the "USNPS" was eliminated. This, with minor alterations remains the same belt used today.
 Embossed leather belt, 1961. Color, cordovan. NPSHC-HFC RG Y55-1961 Uniform Regulations |
Overshoes were added to the dress uniform. They could be either plain black rubbers or plain black galoshes type with four buckles or zipper.
The white shirt was eliminated as part of the dress uniform. All shirts would now be gray. A reinforcement was added above the left pocket to accommodate the badge. Three different styles of pocket flaps were authorized with a pencil pocket in left pocket. (Lavigne, Miami, Florida - #950ff or #950jr (short sleeves) A crease resistant, nylon fortified rayon, topical weave shirt was optional for wear with dress uniform when coat was not worn. (B.B. McGinnis)
Official four-in-hand necktie was now dark green (Wembleytown shade 3Z61 or equal) worsted wool, 3 inches wide at widest point. It is interesting to note that even though the regulations specify a "four-in-hand" tie, in Care and Maintenance they suggest using a Windsor knot.
A new waterproof raincoat with optional rain leggings was introduced. Both were made of forest green nylon fabric with Butyral [33] (or equal) covering on inside. Coat was a 3-button fly-front design (buttons do not show) with raglan [34] shoulders, slash pockets cut through and a one-piece detachable outer jacket with set-in sleeves and badge holder. (Jacket resembles a cape with sleeves) Leggings were without cuffs but with straps and loops for attaching to trouser belt. Both came with their own carrying case.
The overcoat and trench coat were replaced by a storm coat. This coat resembled the trench coat in design with a cape attached to the back. But instead of waterproof gabardine, the new coat was constructed of Zelan treated forest green nylon canvas. For warmth, a removable all-wool liner was attached to the inside by means of a Talon zipper. Coat also had a badge holder attached to the center of the left breast.
Plain cordovan-colored leather gloves or mittens were now optional wear. They had to be "without conspicuous ornamentation, buckles, or fancy stitching."
Top
Last Modified: Wed, Feb 7 2001 11:30:00 pm PDT
http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/workman5/vol5c15.htm
.gif){kind=small}